TITLE 105 INDIANA DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Economic Impact Statement

LSA Document #07-471

To the best of INDOT's knowledge, the proposed rule does not directly affect any small businesses. However, the department believes that perhaps four or five small businesses exist in the billboard industry, so it will explain below the impact the rule would have on them. According to information obtained from billboard industry, the cost of a changeable message sign is anywhere from $300,000 to $500,000. Therefore, INDOT expects to receive none or very few permit applications for changeable message signs from small businesses due to the high costs of these signs.

A total of 50 companies submitted permit applications for traditional signs to INDOT in 2006. Since INDOT does not require business information from applicants, there is no way for INDOT to know exactly how many small businesses will be affected. Additionally, since the Governor signed the law authorizing changeable message signs on April 25, 2007, eight addendum applications for changeable message signs have been submitted to INDOT.

The proposed rule imposes no new reporting or record keeping costs on any business, large or small. INDOT currently requires outdoor advertising companies to submit a $25 nonrefundable application fee when applying for a new sign and an additional $75 permit fee upon approval of the permit. If a permit holder wishes to convert an existing conforming sign to a new changeable message sign, the permit holder shall file an addendum with the department any time a permit holder wishes to make changes to the sign in accordance with 105 IAC 7-3-1.5(d).

The adoption of this rule does not have any annual impact upon small businesses. As noted above, INDOT expects to receive very few permit applications for changeable message signs from small businesses. Even if a small business applies for a permit, the proposed rule would not adversely impact them because the current fee structure in existence for regular static signs will also apply to changeable message signs. More companies may desire to convert their existing static signs to changeable message signs, and in that case INDOT would make such companies file an addendum application when they wish to convert a static sign to a changeable message sign.

The following Indiana statute and federal regulation apply to the adoption of this rule:

IC 4-22-2-25.5

Sec. 25.5. (a): The department may adopt rules under IC 4-22-2 that provide for the issuance of a permit for a changeable message sign erected, operated, used, or maintained in areas described in section 25(a) of this chapter.

23 CFR Section 750.705(h): The State must develop laws, regulations, and procedures to accomplish the requirements of effective control of outdoor advertising.

INDOT's proposed rule regulating changeable message signs is justified because restrictions on changeable message signs such as lighting, sizes, types, and locations will help to promote the safety of motorists.

The minimal permit costs also are justified. The costs associated with this rule for changeable message signs reflect current INDOT practice for existing static signs. The minimal cost is justified as an administrative fee that helps pay a small part of INDOT's costs to administer the permit process. (Details are shown below in the revenue and cost summary table.)

The proposed rule could be less restrictive to businesses; however, INDOT believes the restrictions in the proposed rule are necessary to help promote the safety of Indiana's motorists. For example, INDOT could allow for more types of changeable message signs, such as stacked signs, but this likely would distract drivers and lead to accidents.

INDOT believes the application and addendum processes outlined in subsection (a)(1) through (a)(4) above are justified because INDOT needs to maintain an inventory and control over billboards to ensure compliance with federal and state laws. These processes serve the overall goal of keeping the motorists safe.

INDOT assumes the rule will result in more revenue for businesses by allowing multiple advertisements on a single site. Whereas INDOT expects a minimal increase in its revenue generated from an estimated 10% increase in the number of permit applications and in cost associated with personnel workload, equipment use, and training.

Revenue:

INDOT anticipates that permit requests will increase 10% per year due to applications and addendums for changeable message signs. The estimated increase is based on 226 permit requests received in 2006.

Revenue is calculated @ $100 per permit based on the projected increase of 10% in volume of permit applications per year, assuming all these applications are processed and permits are issued.

Costs:

Costs to the state also are estimated to increase 10% per year in addition to a one-time training cost of $3,000 in the first year. The estimated increase in cost is:

DIN: 20071031-IR-105070471EIA

Composed: Apr 19,2024 10:01:23PM EDT

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